Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract Concentration as A Biostimulant on Pakcoy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) Growth and Yield

Abstract

Pakcoy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is a short-cycle leafy vegetable with high economic value, so improving productivity through environmentally friendly inputs is important. This study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a biostimulant on pakcoy growth and yield and to identify the most effective concentration. The experiment was conducted in Presak Timur, Pagutan, Mataram, using a Completely Randomized Design with five concentrations: 0% (K0), 4% (K1), 8% (K2), 12% (K3), and 16% (K4), with seven replications. Observations included plant height and leaf number at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after planting, as well as leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight, and root length at harvest. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the 5% Honestly Significant Difference (BNJ) test for significant effects. Moringa leaf extract significantly affected plant height at all observation times, leaf number from 21 days after planting onward, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight, and root length. The 4% concentration generally produced the best vegetative response, particularly for plant height and leaf number, while 8% produced the highest fresh and dry weights. These results indicate that 4–8% was the most promising concentration range under the experimental conditions.